Customer Reviews

Frames (N. American Version) CD+DVD

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I am a relatively new addition to the circle of Oceansize fans. I picked up their stunningly impressive album "Everyone Into Position" a little over a year ago and I absolutely loved it. It had moodiness, emotion, depth, and an engaging mix of progressive rock, space rock, delicacy, and power. So when I learned of the North American release of their 2007 album "Frames" a few months ago, I couldn't wait to get my hands on a copy and discover the direction of their musical trajectory.

I have to admit that I had a tough time with "Frames" upon my first listen. The album is very different from EIP. The eight songs that comprise "Frames" are denser, darker, moodier, and less accessible than the tracks on EIP. There is much more experimentation on display here, and as a result (and especially if you are using EIP as your frame of reference) the songs might not grab you on the first couple of spins of the disc. However, that is where the beauty of this album lies: it rewards your patience. The more time I spent listening to it, the more the album revealed all of Oceansize's various influences to me through the shadings, arrangements, structures, and instrumentations of each track. Thus the title of my review...

The opening track 'Commemorative 9/11 T-Shirt' is especially effective at setting the tone that this album is not merely a followup to EIP but instead stands alone as its own autonomous musical statement. It builds on a simple and delicate odd-time guitar melody to an eventual crescendo of heavy power chord riffing, yet despite all of the dynamic variations during the next 8 minutes they never really stray from the primary melody. The ability to create a song that long, based on one main musical idea, and that doesn't get old or stale or feel repetitive, is actually pretty impressive. It is probably my favorite track on the album.

The remaining songs each reveal glimpses into the influences that have inspired the band over the years. There are familiar strains from Radiohead, Pink Floyd, and Oasis here, but also some unexpected echoes from Meshuggah (on 'Sleeping Dogs And Dead Lions') and perhaps a touch of Mastodon or Kyuss on the monolithic intrumental 'An Old Friend Of The Christys.'

Oceansize has created an album that requires the listener to invest some time absorbing it, and I think this is why it is so successful. It's not the kind of album where you will immediately know whether or not you like it, so you will have to spin it again. And again. And then you will suddenly realize the level of their achievement, even if it is slightly self-indulgent and just a bit arrogant in a spot or two. My only complaint is that a few parts wander a bit too long and almost outstay their welcome, but this is simply a minor nitpick on my part.

The bonus DVD that comes with the CD features the band in an old warehouse playing the tracks from the album live and in order. The production is minimal here - basic lighting, several mounted and handheld cameras, some amplifiers and microphones, and the band arranged in a circle playing their songs. I very much enjoyed watching them perform their album in a remote location without a cheering audience in front of them, so that I could focus on the energy and effort they put into each song. The live DVD creates a very unique and engaging way to listen to "Frames" and I must commend the band on their decision to record it and provide it with the CD.

If you enjoy progressive/space/art rock music that is challenging and looking to carve out its own unique space, I would definitely recommend this engaging release from Oceansize. Just be prepared to spend some time with it...

This could be called progressive rock, but not if you think of prog as cheesy late 70s music chock full of dated-sounding mellotrons (although Oceansize does, at times, use mellotrons), lyrics that might as well be excerpts from The Lord Of The Rings, and endless guitar solos that sound like they belong in porn movies. Frames, the latest album by Oceansize, is progressive rock in that the music progresses. Sounding like a group of theoretical physicists who double-majored in music, Oceansize put out complex harmonies, rapidly changing time signatures, and polyrhythms that Einstein couldn't understand

But enough about how complex the music is, Frames is strikingly beautiful, even in the most intense head-banging metal moments. Refusing to conform to pop standards seems to be the group's goal. Only Twin, one of the album's best, is a song that no other group in the world could pull off; the song has a 3/4 time signature, so naturally, when the drums and guitar arrive in 5/8 time signature they'll seem out of place. After listening for a while, you will start to understand what's going on, and that it works. That's the thing about this band, is that behind the bizarre math-rock exterior, for those who pay close attention, it WORKS. Savant is a breathtakingly beautiful song with surreal lyricism that introduces a string section and gradually removes the rhythm section to create a baroque sounding string-piece at the end. Unfamiliar shows how Oceansize are excelllent at using hooks without abusing them to the point where you want to puke. No song on this album has a verse-chorus-verse-chorus structure, making the album a surprising, adventurous affair the whole way through.

Do not be deterred by the fact that I only mentioned only a few tracks. There are no "fillers" here. Only moments of pure genius that keep you starving for more. Since Oceansize transcends profiteering conformities and catchy singles, you won't even have to think about reaching for the skip button. For those who listen to highly produced chart-porn, don't even think about buying this album. You need to have an attention span, and an open mind to appreciate the true genius of Oceansize.

I have been a devotee of prog-rock since its inception, way back in the late 60's. I have worn out multiple copies (and formats) of Yessongs, for one. I never thought I would find a band that surpassed them. But then about a year or so ago I was listening to Pandora and up came a cut from this album (if you can still call it that). I also got hooked up with Porcupine Tree, but Oceansize is special. The title cut is, in fact, my new, personal "anthem."

Lush, intricate rhythms, mesmerizing lyrics, astounding drumming and a clean sound. What more do you want?

Tengo la version en CD, pero la version en DVD es magnifica! recomiendo ampliamente esta version, aunque creo que le falto poner el todo el album en DTS, pero bueno, comprenlo.

I bought this album based on the reviews I read here and on other sites. I've listened to it a few times now, and nothing on the album has really grabbed me. It's obvious that these guys are great musicians, but there are no standout tracks so far. Perhaps my opinion will change in time. I hope so. I want to like it.